Imagine buying a car knowing you would never get access to a mechanic. That’s what it’s like to work with a managed service provider that doesn’t have an in-house support team. Cyber threats, from phishing scams to ransomware attacks, are more prevalent than ever, and 93% of businesses that experience a data breach forgo cybersecurity monitoring entirely, leaving them open to repeated attacks. Many organizations unknowingly risk their operations by partnering with cybersecurity providers that lack the reliable support needed to respond effectively to threats. Here, we explore why in-house support is critical and share best practices for selecting a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to protect your business.
Why In-House Support Matters
A provider’s support team is the frontline defense against cyber threats. Without experienced professionals available to address issues promptly, businesses can face prolonged downtime, financial losses, and reputational damage. Here’s why in-house support is essential:
- Swift Response Times: Cyberattacks happen in real-time, and delays in response can exponentially increase damage. A provider without 24/7 monitoring and rapid response capabilities leaves your business exposed.
- Expert Knowledge: In-house teams are familiar with your unique IT environment, making it easier to identify vulnerabilities and address incidents effectively.
- Accountability: Third-party or outsourced support teams may lack the accountability and integration needed to provide comprehensive protection.
Best Practices for Vetting MSPs
When interviewing potential cybersecurity providers, keep these best practices in mind to ensure their support capabilities meet your needs:
- Ask About Their Certifications
Certifications validate the expertise of the provider’s team. Look for credentials such as:
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer
These demonstrate the provider’s ability to handle complex cybersecurity challenges.
- Ensure 24/7 Monitoring and Support
Cyberattacks don’t adhere to business hours. Confirm that the provider offers round-the-clock monitoring and has a dedicated team ready to respond to incidents at any time.
- Review Response Times and SLAs
Ask about their average response times and request to see their Service Level Agreement (SLA). The SLA should outline:
- Guaranteed response times
- Procedures for escalating critical issues
- Commitments to minimizing downtime
- Investigate Their Incident Management Process
A strong incident management process is critical. Ask questions such as:
- How do they detect and respond to threats?
- What’s their protocol for notifying clients of incidents?
- Do they conduct post-incident reviews to prevent future occurrences?
- Evaluate Their Team’s Experience
Inquire about the provider’s hiring practices and team experience. Do they have a mix of seasoned professionals and entry-level technicians? Are ongoing training and certifications part of their culture?
- Look for Transparent Communication
Reliable MSPs prioritize clear communication. During the interview process, assess how transparent they are about their capabilities, limitations, and pricing.
Partner with Confidence
Choosing the right cybersecurity provider requires due diligence, but the investment in a provider with strong in-house support is invaluable. By asking the right questions and verifying their capabilities, you can safeguard your business from vulnerabilities that could otherwise lead to costly breaches.
At CloudWyze, we pride ourselves on delivering not just cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, but also the in-house expertise and 24/7 support your business needs to thrive. Contact us today or fill out the form below to learn how we can help protect your operations and provide peace of mind.